Japan
Sustainability Report 2023Efforts for safety technologies
Suzuki reinforces efforts for safety technologies and actively improves safety so that every single road user, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and automobile drivers can co-exist in a safe mobility society with each other.
Suzuki’s safety technology has been developed based on the concept to provide optimum support in daily driving and it provides peace of mind in small cars.
Providing cars which not only help drivers drive with safety and peace of mind but also that everyone can drive and control easily is our basic safety design philosophy, such as including larger front and rear windows to ensure clear and wide visibility, easily recognizable displays and switches controlled by a simple operation. SUZUKI Safety Support is a preventive safety technology that keeps near-miss accidents to a minimum or prevents them from happening in the first place. In order to protect people’s lives, the structure such as body and components that absorb the energy from a collision is incorporated into our cars as Passive Safety.
The numerous safety technologies we have continued to develop and refine always support day-to-day peace of mind and provide big peace of mind in small cars. Suzuki will continue to evolve safety technologies to have everyone enjoy their cars safely and aim to realize zero traffic accidents.
Basic safety technologies (technologies to ensure that vehicles are easy to drive with peace of mind)
- Visibility features: an unobstructed, clear and expansive field of view
- Driving position and controls: a position that makes driving easy while inhibiting fatigue
- Interface: A layout that is easy to view and control
Preventive safety technology (SUZUKI Safety Support)
■ Products installed with SUZUKI Safety Support
(As of January 2023)
| Installed model |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto | Lapin | WagonR | Escudo | XBEE | Solio | |
| Collision-mitigation braking |
Dual camera brake support |
Dual camera brake support |
Dual camera brake support |
Dual sensor brake support |
Dual camera brake support |
Dual camera brake support |
| Back-up brake support | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Unintended start prevention function |
Front/Rear | Front/Rear | Front/Rear | Front | Front/Rear | Front/Rear |
| Lane departure prevention function |
● | ● | ● | |||
| Lane departure warning function |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Weaving warning function | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Adaptive cruise control | ● (Follows at safe distance between vehicles in all speed ranges) |
● (Follows at safe distance between vehicles in all speed ranges) |
● (Follows at safe distance between vehicles in all speed ranges) |
● (Follows at safe distance between vehicles in all speed ranges) |
||
| Road sign recognition function |
● | ● | ● | ● | ||
| Head-up display | ● | ● | ● | |||
| High beam assist | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Preceding car departure announce function |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Blind spot monitor | ● | |||||
| Rear cross traffic alert | ● | |||||
| Camera for all-direction monitor |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Lane keeping assist function |
● |
- * Each system functions under certain conditions. For details, please see our official website.
- * Systems vary depending on model, variant, and specification. For details, please see our official website.
Collision safety technology
(technology to reduce injury in case of a collision)
Suzuki equips vehicles with collision safety features in order to reduce injury to vehicle occupants and pedestrians in the event of a collision accident.
●TECT
Suzuki has adopted a body structure that efficiently absorbs and disperses the forces of impact during a collision. In addition, the Company has achieved both improved safety and lighter weight through the use of a platform that employs high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steel sheets in a wide range of vehicle elements, as well as through structural analysis using computers.
Image of body structure (model: Escudo)
●6 SRS airbags
Along with SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger seats, front-seat SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags are standard. Six airbags thus stand ready to protect vehicle occupants in the event of a collision impact (excluding certain models, variants and specifications).
Image of car interior during airbag deployment (model: Solio)
●Front and rear ELR 3-point seatbelts*1
All seats have front and rear ELR 3-point seatbelts. The front seat seatbelts have a pretensioner mechanism that almost instantly winds up slack from the seatbelt in the event of a collision, and a variable force limiter mechanism that alleviates the impact of the seatbelt on the chest during a collision.
- *1 Excluding certain models, variants and specifications
Front and rear ELR 3-point seatbelts in operation
●Pedestrian injury reducing body
Certain vehicle parts such as the bonnet, front wipers and surrounding area, and front bumper, have a shock-absorbing structure. In case of a collision with a pedestrian, these parts are intended to reduce injury to the pedestrian’s head and legs.
■ Products installed with main collision safety features*2
| Installed model |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto | WagonR | Escudo | XBEE | Solio | |
| TECT | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| 6 SRS airbags | ● | ●※3 | ● | ●※3 | ● |
| Front and rear ELR 3-point seatbelts | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Neck impact mitigating front seats | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Interior with head impact reducing structure | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| ISOFIX child seat attachment anchors (for two children on the back seat) |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Pedestrian injury reducing body | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
- *2 Excluding certain models, variants and specifications
- *3 WagonR FX and XBEE HYBRID MX are not equipped with front seat SRS side airbags.
Traffic safety
Employees
Traffic safety
As employees of an automobile and motorcycle manufacturer, we are proactively implementing a number of initiatives such as those described below, that are aimed at preventing traffic accidents that could occur not only on the job or during commuting, but also off the job.
- Creating commuting route close call case maps
- Training in small groups on close call cases and risk prediction
- Instruction on strict obedience of traffic rules not only on public roads, but also within plant sites
- Traffic safety education by the jurisdictional police stations
- Individual lessons using driving skill check test
- Alerting employees of traffic safety before long holidays
- Driving instruction by driving together or using driving recorders
- Safety driving lectures for new employees
- Alcohol checks on employees driving for work duties
Safe driving training program for new employees (supporter: Kakegawa Driving School)
●In-house safe riding seminars
As a manufacturer and distributor of motorcycles, we regularly hold motorcycle riding safety seminars for Suzuki employees, motorcycle commuters, etc. We held this seminar 6 times in 2022 and 31 persons participated.
We will continue to conduct such seminars to train people to improve their safe riding awareness, basic motorcycle operation, and riding manners, as well as to follow the traffic rules, as employees working for motorcycle companies, who must become role models for other riders.
Local community
Efforts for automobiles
JapanDomestic sales distributors
Suzuki’s sales distributors conduct traffic safety courses, hands-on driving events and other programs in various locations in order to ensure that customers use products correctly and drive with a focus on safety.
Suzuki Motor Sales Kyoto Inc.
Suzuki Motor Sales Saga Inc.
Suzuki Motor Sales Kagoshima Inc.
Efforts for motorcycles
●Efforts for safety and crime-prevention in cooperation with motorcycle industry associations
As a member of the Japan Motorcycle Promotion & Safety Association, Suzuki dispatches instructors to various motorcycle practical safe riding seminars and holds safe riding technique seminars such as Good Rider Meetings in cooperation with the Motorcycle Safe Riding Promotion Committee.
Also, we are promoting the Motorcycle Anti-Theft Registration activity for registration of motorcycles to prevent theft.
We cooperate with the trainer education and promotion of Motorcycle Safe Riding Special Trainer Training Sessions and the Centralized Training Workshop for Special Trainers organized by the Japan Traffic Safety Association (JTSA) by dispatching expert instructors. Through this cooperation, we seek to raise awareness of motorcycle safety broadly.
August 19 has been determined as Motorcycle Day, as a phonetic reading of the date in Japanese is baiku, the same word for motorcycle. We hold events and distribute online content to show the enjoyment of riding motorcycles and traffic safety in cooperation with motorcycle industry associations such as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA).
PolandSUZUKI MOTOR POLAND SP. Z.O.O.
●Suzuki Moto School project
We carried out the Suzuki Moto School project just as we did last year. The main purpose of this project is to train and improve motorcycle riding skills and promote road safety. 345 riders participated in the training this year.
Efforts for motorized wheelchairs
●Safe Driving Training Program “For Preventing Accidents”
For the safer use of motorized wheelchairs, Suzuki’s personnel conduct in-person sales of these products. In addition, Suzuki is making efforts to promote better understanding of safe methods of motorized wheelchair use by showing customers how to operate an actual wheelchair in and around their homes when conducting sales. Furthermore, we conduct the “Suzuki Motorized Wheelchair Safe Driving Training Program,” which is a training session for people who are currently using our motorized wheelchairs, working in conjunction with local police departments, traffic safety associations, etc. We try to improve the trainee’s awareness of traffic safety and prevention of traffic accidents, etc. through seminars and practical training.
To enhance safety driving of first-time users of motorized wheelchairs, Suzuki is promoting awareness of safe driving by handing out brochures for the safe usage of those products.
■ Number of brochures handed out
| FY2018 | FY2019 | FY2020 | FY2021 | FY2022 | 5-year total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brochures | 16,000 | 12,100 | 12,000 | 14,000 | 13,500 | 67,600 |
Details of brochures can be seen on the Electric Wheelchair Safety Promotion Association website (Japanese language only).
https://www.den-ankyo.org/
●Activities at Electric Wheelchair Safety Promotion Association
The Electric Wheelchair Safety Promotion Association was established by manufacturers and sales distributors to promote safe and proper use of motorized wheelchairs for users. It aims to contribute to road traffic safety by promoting safe use of motorized wheelchairs. It also aims for the popularization of motorized wheelchairs. As a member of the association, Suzuki is promoting activities for using motorized wheelchairs with ease.
■ Trends in Safe Driving Training Programs conducted
* The number of training programs held in FY2020 decreased due to COVID-19
●Motorized Wheelchair Safety Instruction Commendation System
The Motorized Wheelchair Safety Instruction Commendation System is a system where the Traffic Bureau of the National Police Agency (NPA) commends those associated with motorized wheelchairs who have proactively provided traffic safety education and promoted PR and awareness raising activities related to matters such as the safe use of motorized wheelchairs, or prevented traffic accidents involving motorized wheelchairs. Suzuki takes an active part in this commendation system as an organizer of the Electric Wheelchair Safety Promotion Association.
■ NPA Motorized Wheelchair Safety Instruction Commendation result
| FY2022 | Excellent | GIFU SUZUKI HANNBAI CORPORATION Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Suzuki Motor Sales Kagoshima Inc. | |
| Excellent | Suzuki Motor Sales Hamamatsu Inc |
IndiaMARUTI SUZUKI INDIA LIMITED
Road safety
Maruti Suzuki India undertakes various road safety initiatives to support the government in making the roads safer by providing quality driving training, supporting the enforcement of traffic rules and automating the license issuing system.
●Improving road safety through IDTR
- Since inception, 4.4 million drivers have been trained.
To provide quality driving training and education, Maruti Suzuki India has set up 8 Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) and 23 Road Safety Knowledge Centres (RSKC) in association with 6 state governments.
The IDTRs use scientifically designed test tracks, driving simulators and a well-defined curriculum to conduct learner, refresher and evaluation courses for drivers of light motor vehicles, heavy motor vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and forklifts. IDTRs imparted road safety education and quality driving training to varied beneficiary groups: commercial drivers, drivers employed by state governments, police personnel, corporate employees, tribal youth, etc. The IDTRs and RSKCs have trained and evaluated over 376,000 individuals in FY2022 and nearly 4.4 million individuals over the past 20 years.
●Other road safety initiatives
(1) Road safety manual:
Maruti Suzuki India collaborated with the Transport Department, Haryana State Government to launch a road safety manual, which aims to educate the common public about road safety and safe driving. The manual covers a wide range of topics including road rules, traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, emergency response procedures, etc. This manual will help in promoting safe behavior habits among road users.
(2) First responder training:
IDTR conducted a first responder training course for drivers through trainers certified in trauma care. The training program is targeted to deliver practical hands-on skills to improve survival opportunities, customized to handle trauma and injuries. First Aid training is required to make a significant contribution to the goal of reducing the number of fatalities resulting from traffic accidents. More than 3,000 individuals were trained through this program in FY2022.
(3) School bus driver training:
As a part of its efforts to make roads safer for school children, the Institute for Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) conducted a training program for school bus drivers. The training program followed the course curriculum based on the CBSE guidelines for the safety of school children. The training program focused on educating the drivers and attendants about the various safety parameters, road rules and CBSE guidelines.
(4) Road safety awareness at Auto Expo:
As a part of the road safety initiatives, the Company conducted a road safety awareness campaign at the Auto Expo held in FY2022 to demonstrate technology-driven road safety CSR initiatives. During the campaign, various initiatives undertaken under road safety education and driving training, enforcement, evaluation, road safety awareness and emergency response areas were demonstrated. Also, a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) simulator is placed at the campaign to enable them to test their driving skills.
(5) Road safety awareness during Road Safety Week 2023:
Maruti Suzuki India observed the Road Safety Week from January 11 to 17, 2023, to propagate the cause of safer roads for all. During this week-long celebration, various activities were organized at multiple places such as road safety awareness sessions, demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions. The sessions were conducted targeting different stakeholders such as drivers, school children, government officials, corporate employees, and other community members. The aim was to educate and sensitize people on the importance of road safety and how to adopt safe driving practices. Individuals from various corporates, ITIs, schools and government departments participated in the road safety programs.
●Strengthening driving licensing tests through Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTT)
To ensure only skilled drivers get a driving license, Automated Driving Test Tracks were set up in various license issuing centers spanning Uttarakhand, Bihar and Haryana. These centers have specially designed tracks to conduct driving tests. They are also equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture real-time footage of tests and analyticsbased assessment tools to help in the issuance of driving licenses more transparently and efficiently.
Maruti Suzuki India has also partnered with the Delhi Transport Department to fully automate the license issuing centers by setting up ADTTs. As of March 31, 2023 over 516,000 candidates have taken the tests at ADTTs.
Computer center featuring automation software
ADTT (Lado Sarai, Delhi)
IndiaSUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
●Promotion of motorcycle rider safety
Raising safety awareness of motorcycle riders:
In collaboration with Times of India Group, SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED carried out an awarenessraising activity to improve safety awareness of motorcycle riders in the eight major cities of Haryana, i.e. Gurgaon, Faridabad, Rohtak, Chandigarh, Ambala, Karnal, Panchkula and Panipat. This activity was mainly targeted at 11th and 12th grade high school students, university students, and students from other educational institutions. Some of them were planning to ride motorcycles in the near future.
Support for Gurgaon Police:
We provided Gurgaon Police with 10 customized GIXXER 250s and two laser speed cameras to support their efforts in road safety and crackdown on speed offenses. These activities amounted to 9.13 million rupees.
PakistanPAK SUZUKI MOTOR CO., LTD.
●Safe Driving Techniques (SDT) training session
We conducted the Safe Driving Techniques (SDT) training session at our company for car carriers’ owners, managers, supervisors, and drivers in March 2023. A total of 35 people attended the training session. The purpose of this training session is to enhance car-carrier teams’ awareness of safe driving and the level of their driving techniques and ensure their safety during transporting of products. During the session to raise their awareness regarding their safety, the instructor gave lectures to the participants about safe and defensive driving techniques, highway driving rules and tips for maintenance of vehicles. Moreover, to encourage participants’ awareness, lectures on various precautions regarding traffic signs, driving techniques, and accidents were explained in detail using pictures and videos.
Additionally, we donated 2,200 safety-instruction booklets to National Highway & Motorway Police (NH&MP) in September 2022 to distribute them to drivers who drive on national highways. The booklet includes the information about traffic signs, tips for safe driving, how to basically check vehicles, instructions for emergency situations, penalties for violating traffic rules, etc.
HungaryMAGYAR SUZUKI CORPORATION LTD.
●“Together on the Roads” campaign
Safety is our top priority because we are a car maker. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the road such as drivers and pedestrians. For tackling this matter, we started the “Together on the Roads” campaign, one of our road safety CSR programs, which addresses a different problem related to traffic safety every year.
As a result of our hard work, our “Together on the Roads” campaign, which utilizes our communication solutions company Morpho, won the bronze prize in the problem management category at #PREXA, PR Excellence Hungary Award, this year.
